McHenry County Master Naturalists work with multiple organizations involved in the preservation and protection of local natural areas. The McHenry County Conservation District owns or manages 25,800 acres, while The Land Conservancy holds easements or owns more than 3,000 acres. The county is home to 17 state nature preserves and portions of the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge.
Other organizations that partner to support, manage, and maintain these areas include The Environmental Defenders, The Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee, Small Waters Education NFP, and multiple “Friends of” groups. All of these organizations are run by a small number of staff who work with volunteers. The Master Naturalist program educates and trains volunteers so they are better equipped to share natural resource information with others and to assist with local environmental conservation and restoration activities.
Learn more about the Master Naturalists in McHenry County.
